The Lovereading4Kids comment

May 2015 Debut of the Month Thirteen year old Bully, real name Bradley, has chosen to live on the streets rather than at home with his sort-of step-father after his mother dies. It’s a miserable existence, and he’s a prey to thug Janks, who ‘taxes’ all the homeless, taking any money they might have earned. Then Bully discovers that the lottery ticket that was his last present from his mum is a winner, and he’s due millions of pounds. But he’s only got days left in which to claim his money, and Janks is out to get the ticket too. Bully is a convincing and sympathetic hero and it’s impossible not to be gripped by the story and the challenges he faces. This is a great read for readers who like tense, gritty contemporary thrillers. ~Andrea Reece

Reader Reviews

Teens love to read and so in addition to our Lovereading expert opinion some of our Lovereading4kids Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title. You can read their full reviews by clicking here.

Destiny Maraj - 'an exciting, tense, emotional novel about a breath taking race to survive...a very real and realistic read as it portrayed the struggles of being homeless. I adored reading Lottery Boy!'

Sophia Ufton - 'This book was really heartbreaking, but gave me hope at the end, really enjoyed the book overall.'

Edel Waugh - 'I read this in one sitting, it was a pure adrenaline rush as the countdown to the date of the ticket running out draws near and would the bad guys catch Bully and Jack.'

Khadijah Ahmed - 'The plot is simple but fast-paced and riveting all the way. Lots of action and escape scenes that make you want to run or pace the room as you read, it's that exciting.'

Synopsis

Lottery Boy by Michael Byrne

Reminiscent of Slumdog Millionaire, this contemporary adventure story set on the streets of London follows a boy whose luck is about to change.

Since his mother's death, Bully has lost his old life. Living rough with his dog, Jack, he can't imagine his future. But one day, in the last birthday card she ever gave him, he finds a winning lottery ticket, a last gift from his mum that suddenly offers such hope. If only he can get to his prize on time. Life is not that simple. Bully's struggle to survive has just got a whole lot harder. They're after him on the streets, everyone wants a piece of him. And even if he does claim all that money, will he really be winning what he needs the most?

Reviews

Overall this is a fast moving and gritty thriller with more of an emotional kick than most in this genre. -- The Book Bag * The Book Bag * ...a fast-paced and gripping thriller which will keep young readers on the edge of their beanbags until the last page. -- The Independent * The Independent * A fast-paced, exciting thriller. -- WRD * WRD * This is a stark tale at times but Bully makes good friends too and, thankfully, life has a way of working out in the end. * Carousel * This is a real rollercoaster and the author has created a modern day Dickensian underworld with characters to boot and dialogue which sounds and feels authentic. * The School Librarian * There's no denying that Byrne can write hard-core action that keeps the pages turning

it made me feel like I was Bully. [...] The author Michael Byrne is very good at getting all from the heart

About the Author

Michael Byrne is a former English teacher and taxi driver who now works as a full-time author. Lottery Boy is his first novel. Michael lives with his teenage daughter in Hampshire.